Description

Just put this system together a few days ago in a small apartment. Most of my music is on my computer so I'm using an old laptop that I had kicking around to feed a Fubar USB II DAC that feeds the Rogue Tempest. I'm currently experimenting with speaker placement and am amazed by the enormous difference in bass output that can be gained by moving the speakers a little closer to the wall. My previous system consisted of a pair of Bose computer speakers so the increase in sound quality has been phenomenal. I was originally worried that the amp wouldn't have enough power to drive the Katans but in 8 ohm, ultra linear mode (60 wpc), there seems to be power to spare. I've very happy with this system right now but eventually plan on adding a sub and replacing the DAC.
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Components Toggle details

    • Fubar USB DAC II
    Budget minded DAC to start out with
    • Dell D600
    Old laptop to serve as a transport
    • Rogue Audio Tempest
    Rogue Tempest
    • Linn Katan
    Neutral sounding speakers
    • Audioquest G-Snake
    Simple cables to start
    • Impact Accoustics Sonic Wave
    Speaker cable

Comments 11

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Not to sound like a rogue agent here, and as an aside i agree in principal with almost everything that Dwhitt has to say, but i do offer up an different opinion when it comes to subs.
You can purchase two fine Velodyne subs for $150 each to cover the low end. There is a growing train of though that the sub frequencies can be equally well served by several smaller diaphragms than a single behemoth; after all at this freq. range it is primarily about moving air. If it is good enough for Nelson Pass it is probably good enough for me

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The Katan's were part of my first serious system. They are a great set of monitors and will serve you well for a long time
Adding a sub helps them immeasurably. Don't waste your money on expensive "musical" subs. A pair of $150 subs corner loaded will work wonders.
After that a used Benchmark DAC.
If you ever decide to move away from tubes buying a pair of Linn amps and setting up the monitors aktiv is also a huge improvement.
Enjoy

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